Coffee is long since no longer just a daily energy kick — it has become a true indulgence. Have you ever wondered what is behind the term "specialty coffee"? — Then you have come to the right place. In this ultimate beginner's guide, you will learn what specialty coffee is, how it is rated, and how you can consciously enjoy it at iaro — from bean to cup.
What is Specialty Coffee? — The Ultimate Beginner's Guide
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What is specialty coffee?
Specialty Coffee stands for coffee of exceptional quality that is produced with care and passion — exactly what we live by at iaro. In contrast to conventional coffee, specialty coffee is graded by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Only beans that are rated with at least 80 points on a scale of 1-100 are considered true specialties. But at iaro, quality is more than just a number. It is a commitment to preserving the character of every bean — from its origin and roasting to the very last sip.
From mass-market coffee to the Third Wave — how specialty coffee has changed coffee culture
The way coffee is experienced and enjoyed has changed fundamentally over the last few decades:
- wave: Coffee as a mass-produced product — fast, strong, functional
- wave: Coffee as a brand & lifestyle — coffee as part of the daily ritual
- wave (Third Wave): Coffee as a craft. Quality, transparency, and taste are the focus.
At iaro, we see ourselves as part of the third wave: We want to show that coffee is not a product of chance — but a conscious experience created through care and passion.
How is specialty coffee graded?
The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) establishes clear criteria for evaluating specialty coffee. Trained Q-Graders inspect every bean according to a standardized system. Criteria assessed include, among others:
- Aroma & Flavor
- Acidity & Body
- Balance & Aftertaste
- Sweetness & Cleanliness
A score of 80 points or higher officially qualifies the coffee as specialty coffee. At iaro, we make sure to use exclusively beans that meet these standards—and to roast them in a way that allows them to reach their full potential.
How to identify real specialty coffee
Have you ever wondered how to actually distinguish real specialty coffee from other coffees?
Here are a few points that we at iaro consider our quality promise:
- Roast date: freshly roasted — never old, never anonymous.
- Transparency: origin, farm & processing are clearly stated.
- Uniform beans: no breakage, no oil film — just pure quality.
- Sustainability: direct trade & long-term relationships with producers.
These details make the difference — and are the foundation of our roasting philosophy.
Premium coffee vs. specialty coffee — what is the difference?
Many coffees advertise with terms like "premium" or "hand-picked." However, these labels say nothing about the actual quality.
Due to high SCA standards and traceability, specialty coffee is measurably high-quality, unlike premium coffee.
At iaro, you will find this transparency on every package: We share information about the growing region, variety, processing, and roast profile — because you should know what you are drinking.
Espresso & Specialty Coffee — a powerful duo
Many people immediately think of filter coffee when they hear specialty coffee. But espresso can also be a real specialty product. At iaro, we develop espresso roasts that are bold and harmonious — perfect for a cappuccino or flat white, but also a delight on their own.
Preparation: How specialty coffee reveals its character
Specialty coffee thrives on precision—and attention when brewing.
To help you get the very best out of your iaro specialty coffee, we recommend:
- Grinding fresh (ideally just before brewing)
- Soft water (ideally filtered)
- The right brewing temperature (92-96°C)
Whether using a hand filter, AeroPress, or espresso machine: with the right preparation, you can unlock the full aroma—and turn your coffee into an experience.
Conclusion: Specialty coffee — and why you should discover it at iaro
Specialty coffee is more than just a trend—it is a mindset. It stands for quality, awareness, and true craftsmanship.
At iaro, we combine these values with modern roasting expertise and a clear goal: to let you experience coffee in a new way—aromatic, transparent, and sustainable.
If you want to know how good coffee can really taste, discover our selection of specialty coffees both online and in our cafés—freshly roasted, honestly produced, and refined with passion.
